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APMA News Brief

American Podiatric Medical Association

National News
The Department of Health and Human Services has issued a four-volume report designed to help health-care providers lower their risk of falling victim to a cyberattack.

 

Editor’s Note: Don’t miss APMA’s Health IT resources on APMA.org.

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/hhs-issues-voluntary-guidelines-amid-rise-of-cyberattacks/545096/ to view the full article online.

 
Reimbursement issues physicians should look out for in the new year include bonuses and penalties related to MIPS and further discussion of changes regarding evaluation and management coding.

 

Editor’s note: check out APMA’s MIPS Member FAQs and MIPS in 2019 for all you need to know about the program.

Visit http://www.medicaleconomics.com/money/getting-paid-2019 to view the full article online.

 
According to a new report, value-based care continues to gain on fee-for-service, having become much more common since 2015.

Visit https://healthpayerintelligence.com/news/47-of-payer-provider-business-tied-to-value-based-care to view the full article online.

 
Potential trends for 2019 include the expansion of Medicare Advantage and an increase in the number of rural areas underserved by health-care providers.

Visit https://www.barrons.com/articles/5-health-care-trends-to-watch-in-2019-51545409115 to view the full article online.

 
Nemo Health
The International Pricing Index for Medicare Part B, proposed last year by the Department of Health and Human Services, could negatively affect patient access, according to one health-care industry group.

Visit https://revcycleintelligence.com/news/specialists-fear-ipi-drug-pricing-model-could-harm-patient-access to view the full article online.

 
Consulting and writing for publication are among several options available to physicians looking to branch out.

Visit https://www.mdlinx.com/physiciansense/seven-moonlighting-gigs-for-physicians/ to view the full article online.

 
What Patients are Reading
Foot pain can have a number of causes, but it is never normal, and those experiencing problems as a result of it should consult with a podiatrist.

 

Editor’s note: Share APMA’s Foot Health Conditions page with your patients.

Visit https://abc7.com/health/heel-and-foot-pain-on-the-rise/4976099/ to view the full article online.

 
For diabetics, it's important to include a podiatrist as a regular member of the health-care team.

 

Editor’s note: APMA’s free diabetes awareness campaign materials are available year-round to members on APMA.org.

Visit https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-12-youre-diabetic-foot.html to view the full article online.

 
In addition to helping with acute cases, podiatrists offer preventive care options as well.

Visit http://www.nwboomerandseniornews.com/news/2018/dec/27/proper-foot-care-pay-attention-what-your-feet-are-/ to view the full article online.

 
Even when wearing heels of medium height, it's important to limit the amount of time one spends in high heels.

Visit https://www.thetalko.com/how-long-to-wear-heels/ to view the full article online.

 
A study of physicians excluded from Medicare participation over a 10-year period revealed that those excluded were more likely to be older men and specialists.

 

Editor’s note: APMA provides reimbursement resources and Medicare resources at APMA.org.

Visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-physician-relationships/4-characteristics-of-physicians-most-likely-excluded-from-public-insurance-reimbursement.html to view the full article online.

 
The Affordable Care Act will remain in place while appeals are heard regarding the recent decision by a U.S. District Judge who ruled it unconstitutional.

Visit https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/affordable-care-act-remain-place-during-appeals-process-judge-rules to view the full article online.

 
Considerations when building your site include what to choose as a domain name, how frequently you will update the site, and how to make the site welcoming for patients considering your practice.

 

Editor’s note: Check out APMA’s Practice Website Tips at APMA.org.

Visit https://www.mdmag.com/physicians-money-digest/practice-management/7-easy-tips-to-make-your-own-medical-practice-website to view the full article online.

 
Offering multiple payment options to patients with high deductibles has the potential to reduce slow payment.

 

Editor’s note: Take advantage of APMA’s practice management and reimbursement resources. Free to members.

Visit http://www.medicaleconomics.com/money/benefit-flexible-patient-payment-options to view the full article online.

 
In a Gallup poll of most trusted professions, physicians ranked behind only nurses in trustworthiness.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/who-do-americans-trust-their-nurses-doctors-and-pharmacists-gallop-poll-finds to view the full article online.

 
American Podiatric Medical Association, Inc.
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PH: 301-581-9200
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